My deceased father appeared in my dream the night before my birthday and warned, ‘Don’t wear the dress your husband gave you.’ I woke up trembling, because my husband had just given me that dress. And when the seamstress brought it back and I checked the lining, I realized my father hadn’t just visited in a dream, he might have prevented something I hadn’t noticed.

“Nikki, please don’t argue,” Liv said, her voice sharper than she intended. “I’ll wear what feels right for me. It’s my party after all.”

“Okay. Okay.” Nikki sounded surprised. “Whatever you choose, the important thing is that you’re happy. Kisses. See you soon.”

Liv set down the phone and sank onto the bed.

The hardest day of her life awaited her. She would have to smile, accept congratulations, mingle with guests, all while knowing the husband beside her had tried to kill her.

She stood, moved to the mirror, and studied her reflection. Fifty years old, wrinkles around her eyes, streaks of gray in her hair that she painstakingly tried to cover. An ordinary woman who had lived an ordinary life, worked as an accountant, raised a daughter, kept her home in order.

What had she done wrong? What had she done to deserve such betrayal?

Tears threatened, but she forced them back.

No. She would not cry today. Today, she would be strong.

Liv went to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the hot water pour over her for a long while, trying to wash away the weight in her soul. Then she dried her hair, applied light makeup, slipped into casual clothes, and waited.

Nikki and her family arrived first. Her son-in-law, Darius, carried a massive bouquet of roses. Her grandson, Mikey, ran ahead of everyone and leaped into Liv’s arms.

“Grandma, happy birthday! We got you the biggest cake!”

Liv hugged him, inhaling the scent of baby shampoo, and for a moment forgot everything else. This was real. This was what mattered.

“Thank you, sweetie,” she whispered, kissing the top of his head.

Nikki wrapped her mother in an embrace, and Liv felt her daughter’s eyes filled with slight worry.

“Mom, are you really okay? You look, I don’t know, different.”

“I’m fine. Just a little tired from all the preparations,” Liv replied, pulling back and smiling. “Come in, sit down. I’ll make some tea.”

They settled in the kitchen. Mikey jabbered on endlessly about preschool and his new friends while Darius discussed the evening plans with Nikki, confirming what time they needed to leave for the restaurant.

Liv sat with them, nodding, answering questions, but it felt as though she were observing everything from afar.

Mark returned home at 3:00. He was in a good mood, hugged Nikki, ruffled Mikey’s hair, and shook Darius’s hand.

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